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8 Country Restaurants In Texas That Serve Delicious Soul Food

If you’re a lifelong Texan, then you know that some of the state’s best restaurants are hiding in rural areas. From mouthwatering barbecue joints to heartwarming southern diners, you won’t have a hard time stumbling across a delicious place to eat whenever you’re traveling the back roads of Texas’ countryside. The following are the 8 best country restaurants in Texas. Believe us, these places are so worth the trip.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

In-between Jacksonville and Nacogdoches lies the tiny town of Cushing, population 656. This down-home eatery just might be the only thing keeping the town together, a theory that's strengthened by the many abandoned storefronts in the downtown district that the restaurant is located in. The chicken-fried steak is to die for, and the creamy mashed potatoes (with peels on, of course!) would be criminal to pass up. You'll find this eatery at 754 7th St, Cushing, TX 75760. To learn more, visit their website here.

This unassuming little country store is home to the famous "Tortilla Burger," every local's favorite meal. It uses tortillas as buns instead of bread! If that's a bit too strange for your liking, they also have all your favorite southern classics, like this full Thanksgiving-style meal with turkey & gravy, green bean casserole, dressing, and cranberry sauce. Head to 809 Wood Ave, Woodsboro, TX 78393 to experience it for yourself. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.

Babe's is a fairly well-known and popular place to eat, and for good reason. The fried chicken and chicken-fried steak are absolute perfection, from the crispy outer crust to the tender, juicy meat and rich, creamy gravy on top. All-you-can-eat salad, biscuits, and creamed corn accompany every entree, and you can also order mashed potatoes with white gravy or french fries. Visit them at 104 N Oak St, Roanoke, TX 76262. Click here to learn more.

With all the barbecue in the Llano area, it's easy for the smaller, lesser-known places to get swept under the rug - but it's time to bring Inman's to the front of the line. The meat is tender and immensely flavorful, there's a good selection of sides, and the pies are absolutely mouthwatering. You'll find this hidden gem at 809 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643. To learn more, visit their website here.

Smokestack Restaurant is located in a town with a population of just 8 people, so the fact that it's able to sustain itself is enough of a testament to its quality. Everything from burgers to chicken fried steak to homemade pies is equally delicious. Next time you're in between Fort Worth and Lubbock, don't hesitate to stop by this little hole in the wall and give it a try. You'll find it at 239 Private Road 741, Mingus, TX 76463. Click here to learn more.

San Antonio may not be particularly well-known for its barbecue, so you'll have to get out of the city for your fix. Harmon's BBQ is just the place; the smoked turkey, ribs, and brisket are cooked to perfection, and the sides, including creamed corn and coleslaw, make for the perfect compliment to your meal. You'll find this tasty BBQ joint at 102 S Main St, Cibolo, TX 78108. Click here to learn more.

This adorable diner will whisk you straight back to the 1950s starting with the vintage neon sign posted outside. You'll find plenty of variety on the menu, but anyone who's been there knows the onion rings are the star of the show. Fried to perfection, the intended side will inevitably turn into a meal when you realize you're too full to eat anything else - but you won't even care because they're so delicious. Go ahead and indulge a little at 1606 Main St, Junction, TX 76849. To learn more, visit their website here.

Have you ever been to any of these small town restaurants in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us the comments below! And if you know another tasty eatery we should feature, nominate it on our online form here.

best country restaurants in Texas

May 08, 2020

Elisa Regulski

What are the best places to get soul food in Texas?

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a wonderful plate of southern cooking. When this comfort food craving strikes, pay a visit to Mel’s Country Cafe in Tomball. This hole-in-the-wall eatery often has a line out the door, and it’s easy to see why. Their epic fried catfish sandwiches are worth waiting for. Plus, their southern hospitality can’t be beat. For more scrumptious eats, visit Hoover’s Cooking in Austin. This welcoming eatery specializes in chicken fried steak and barbecue, but everything on their menu is absolutely incredible. It’s one of the best comfort food restaurants in Texas!

What are the best small town restaurants in Texas?

As we all know, some of the best Texas restaurants are located off the beaten path. Sure, you’ll find tons of tasty eateries in places like Houston, Austin and Dallas, but you can’t deny the special thrill of stumbling into a little-known gem in a rural Texas town. Bevo’s Drive In, located in Vernon, is exactly that kind of place. This nostalgic eatery serves some of the best soul food in Texas. Be sure to add on a side of fried pickles to your order — you won’t regret it. Jody’s Old Restaurant, located in Temple, is another rural restaurant you should try out. This charming dining destination has been family-owned and operated for over 65 years, and you can feel the love as soon as you walk through the door. Dine on staples like chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, and crispy onion rings. You’ll want to come back again and again.

What kind of comfort food is Texas known for?

It’s no surprise that Texans love barbecue, but that’s not the only kind of soul food you’ll find in Texas. We’re also home to some of the most incredible chicken fried steaks around. Go ahead and slather your crispy piece of fried chicken with spoonfuls of creamy pepper gravy. That’s just how we like it.

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.